Hello, I am interested in getting y'all's input on a foot work pattern I regular find myself in. (The positions I am referring to are shown in the attached image)

Speaking as an orthodox and regarding circling counter clockwise- I am struggling to regain position and initiate circling right (counter clockwise).

I am often finding starting myself in position 1, without seeing a clear way for me to get to position 2 without giving over the initiative. I have found success in going from image 1, to a situation like image 2 by first performing an L-step, which has the effect of retreating from the opponent and moving toward my opponent's left. This works however It leads to me feeling as though I am "on the run" since I am having to retreat every time I simply want to circle right.
If I attempt to simply side step to my right (stepping right with my rear foot, then recovering my stance) I typically have not moved far enough to my right (my opponent's left) to gain position 2, and still remain lined up for their cross and potentially walking into their left hook.

How can I regain position (going from position 1 to position 2) without having to retreat using the L step everytime. What am I missing?
I appreciate any insights y'all have

Shout to Higus from sherdog who I first saw use illustrations like these to demonstrate footwork.

https://i.postimg.cc/pr1pNSd8/Boxing1.png